Keokuk County Receives Opioid Settlement Funds to Support Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery

Keokuk County Receives Opioid Settlement Funds to Support Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Keokuk County Investing Opioid Settlement Funds to Address the Impact of the Opioid Crisis

Keokuk County is committed to improving the health and well-being of residents through the responsible use of opioid settlement funds. These funds are the result of nationwide legal settlements with opioid manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies that were found to have contributed to the opioid epidemic.

Like many communities across Iowa and the nation, Keokuk County has experienced the impacts of opioid misuse on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and public safety. The settlement funds provide an opportunity to invest in evidence-based strategies that help prevent substance misuse, expand access to treatment, support recovery, and reduce overdose deaths.

Unlike general tax revenue, opioid settlement funds are restricted and must be used for approved opioid remediation purposes. This means the funds are dedicated to programs, services, and initiatives that directly address the effects of the opioid epidemic and improve outcomes for those impacted by substance use disorders.

Potential uses of the funds may include:

• Expanding access to substance use treatment and recovery services.

• Increasing the availability of naloxone and overdose prevention education.

• Supporting mental and behavioral health initiatives.

• Strengthening prevention programs for youth, families, and schools.

• Enhancing community outreach, care coordination, and peer support services.

• Providing training and resources for first responders, healthcare providers, and community organizations.

• Supporting partnerships that improve access to care in rural communities.

Keokuk County will work collaboratively with local healthcare providers, community organizations, public safety agencies, schools, behavioral health professionals, and other stakeholders to identify community priorities and ensure funding decisions reflect the unique needs of county residents.

The County is committed to transparency and accountability in the use of these funds. As projects are identified and implemented, updates will be shared with the public so residents can see how opioid settlement dollars are being invested to strengthen the health and well-being of the community.  You may find this information under the "about" tab or Public Health page.  

About the Opioid Settlements

The national opioid settlements were reached with several pharmaceutical manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies to resolve claims related to their role in the opioid epidemic. Settlement payments are distributed over multiple years to states and local governments, with funds designated specifically for opioid remediation efforts. These investments are intended to support long-term strategies that reduce opioid-related harm, expand access to treatment and recovery services, and improve community health.

For more information about Keokuk County's opioid settlement initiatives, please contact:

Allie Helmuth, Director Keokuk County Public Health
(641) 622-3575 or ahelmuth@keokukcounty.iowa.gov